US scientists discover sunlight can destroy coronavirus quickly

A study conducted by American scientists showed that ultraviolet rays had a potent impact on the coronavirus

A high-humidity environment with sunlight is not favorable to the virus, the scientists said

However, the experts noted that it would be irresponsible for us to feel that sunlight would totally destroy the virus and stop the pandemic without practicing preventive measures

American scientists found out that direct sunlight can destroy coronavirus quickly; bolstering hope that the summer season can prevent its spread.

Image via Pixabay

In a study that has yet to be published, it showed that ultraviolet rays “had a potent impact” on the virus; causing it to be destroyed quickly, William Bryan, science and technology adviser to the Department of Homeland Security, said in a report.

“Our most striking observation to date is the powerful effect that solar light appears to have on killing the virus, both surfaces and in the air. We’ve seen a similar effect with both temperature and humidity as well, where increasing the temperature and humidity or both is generally less favorable to the virus,” Bryan explained.

According to the study, the higher the temperature is the faster the virus is destroyed and if sunlight is added in a higher humidity, the half-life of the virus can be destroyed in only two minutes.

Image via Pixabay

However, Bryan said that “it would be irresponsible for us to say that we feel that the summer is just going to totally kill the virus and then if it’s a free-for-all and that people ignore those guides” like social distancing.

This was echoed by Dr. Margaret Harris from the World Health Organization; saying that “we cannot hope that summer is going to have the effect that many people hope it will.”